Thermally assisted multi-bit MRAM

ABSTRACT

Methods of writing to a multi-bit MRAM memory unit are described. The method includes to self-detected writing to a multi-bit (i.e., multilevel) thermally assisted MRAM. The self-detected writing increases a reading margin between data state levels and decreases reading margin variability due to cell resistance variation.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/782,101, filed on May 18, 2010 which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/242,254, filed Sep. 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,746,687, the contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) devices are solid state, non-volatile memory devices which make use of the giant magnetoresistive effect. A conventional MRAM device includes a column of first electrical wires, referred to as word lines, and a row of second electrical wires, referred to as bit lines. An array of magnetic memory cells, located at the junctions of the word lines and bit lines, is used to record data signals.

A magnetic memory cell includes a hard magnetic layer, a soft magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer sandwiched between the hard magnetic layer and the soft magnetic layer. The hard magnetic layer has a magnetization vector or orientation fixed in one direction. The orientation of this magnetization vector does not change under a magnetic field applied thereon. The soft magnetic layer has an alterable magnetization vector or orientation under a magnetic field applied thereon, that either points to the same direction, hereinafter “parallel alignment”, or to the opposite direction, hereinafter “antiparallel alignment”, of the magnetization vector or orientation of the hard magnetic layer. Since the resistances of the magnetic memory cell in the “parallel alignment” status and the “antiparallel alignment” status are different, the two types of alignment status can be used to record the two logical states—the “0”s or “1”s of a data bit. This can be described as a “dual bit” memory unit.

In a writing operation, an electric current passes through the word line and the bit line adjacent to the memory cell. When the electric current reaches a certain threshold, a magnetic field generated by the electric current will switch the orientation of the magnetization vector of the soft magnetic layer. As a result, the magnetization vector of the hard magnetic layer and the soft magnetic layer will be changed from one type of alignment, e.g. “parallel alignment”, to the other type of alignment, e.g. “antiparallel alignment”, so that a data signal in form of one data bit can be recorded in the memory cell.

In MRAM structure design, a lower writing power dissipation and a higher cell density are most desired. Unfortunately, a reduction of cell size, i.e. an increase in cell density, will lead to a reduction in the available energy (K_(u)V) to store the bit message. Further, the error rate increases very rapidly as the cell size scales down. However, in order to reduce the error rate, high anisotropy energy is required to overcome thermal fluctuations. Hard magnetic material has higher anisotropy energy compared with soft magnetic material, but in that case a higher writing current is required. The higher anisotropy energy results in higher writing current density, which unfortunately has the disadvantage of electro-migration.

In order to reduce the writing current for a high coercitivity MRAM, thermally assisted MRAMs are disclosed. Un-pinned ferromagnetic materials, in which the coercitivity decreases sharply as temperature increases, are used for the recording layer in the MRAMs. However, due to variations in the MRAM manufacturing process, the reading margin is reduced. Thus, there is a need for MRAM that provides improved reading margin as the MRAM technology scales down.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to thermally assisted multi-bit MRAM. In particular, the present disclosure relates to self-detected writing to a multi-bit (i.e., multilevel) thermally assisted MRAM. The self-detected writing increases a reading margin between data state levels and decreases reading margin variability due to cell resistance variation.

One illustrative method of writing to a multi-bit MRAM memory unit includes setting an MRAM memory cell to a zero state level. The MRAM memory cell includes a recording magnetic layer having a zero state level recording magnetization orientation and a free magnetic layer having a zero state level free magnetization orientation. The recording magnetization orientation is in parallel relation to the free magnetization orientation at the zero state level. Then the method includes passing a read current through the MRAM memory cell to read a voltage across the MRAM memory cell and rotating the free magnetization orientation from the zero state level free magnetization orientation by reading the voltage across the MRAM memory cell until a first desired state voltage is reached to form a first desired state free magnetization orientation forming an first desired state angle with the zero state level recording magnetization orientation. Then the method includes heating the MRAM memory cell recording magnetic layer to a temperature above a block temperature of the recording magnetic layer to alter the recording magnetization orientation to be in parallel relation to the first desired state free magnetization orientation forming a first desired state recording magnetization orientation and cooling the MRAM memory cell to a temperature below the block temperature of the recording magnetic layer to set the recording magnetization orientation at the first desired state recording magnetization orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary MRAM memory unit;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram top view of the exemplary MRAM memory unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram top view of the exemplary memory stack having a resetting magnetic field and/or current applied;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram top view of rotating a magnetization orientation of the exemplary memory stack;

FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram top view of applying a setting current to the exemplary memory stack;

FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram top view of removing the setting magnetic field from the exemplary memory stack;

FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7 is a graph of the voltage distribution of the exemplary memory stack at various resistance states.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying set of drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure relates to thermally assisted multi-bit MRAM. In particular, the present disclosure relates to self-detected writing to a multi-bit (i.e., multilevel) thermally assisted MRAM. The self-detected writing increases a reading margin between data state levels and decreases reading margin variability due to cell resistance variation. While the present disclosure is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary MRAM memory unit 10. The MRAM memory cell 10 includes a recording magnetic layer 20, a free magnetic layer 30 and a tunneling barrier 25 separating the recording magnetic layer 20 from the free magnetic layer 30. These layers are disposed electrically between a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 14 forming a memory stack 26. An access transistor 16 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12. The access transistor 16 can be electrically coupled to a source line SL and a word line WL, for example. While a single MRAM memory unit 10 is shown, it is understood that a plurality of MRAM memory units 10 can be arranged in an array to form a memory array.

A first writing bit line WBL₁ is electrically isolated from the memory stack 26 and passes close enough to the memory stack 26 so that its magnetic field generated by a current 13 passing thought the first writing bit line WBL₁ can alter the magnetization orientations of the recording magnetic layer 20 and/or the free magnetic layer 30. The first writing bit line WBL₁ longitudinally extends in a first direction.

A second writing bit line WBL₂ is electrically isolated from the memory stack 26 and passes close enough to the memory stack 26 so that its magnetic field generated by a current 11 passing thought the second writing bit line WBL₂ can alter the magnetization orientations of the recording magnetic layer 20 and the free magnetic layer 30. The second writing bit line WBL₂ longitudinally extends in a second direction and in many embodiments is orthogonal to the first direction.

The recording magnetic layer 20 includes, at least, a ferromagnetic layer 21 and an antiferromagnetic layer 22. The antiferromagnetic layer 22 serves to fix the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer 21. The recording magnetic layer 20 has a blocking temperature (i.e., critical temperature) that is substantially the Curie temperature. The blocking temperature of the antiferromagnetic layer 22 is the temperature at or above which the antiferromagnetic layer 22 loses its ability to pin (i.e., fix) the magnetization orientation of the adjacent ferromagnetic layer 21. In many embodiments, the blocking temperature is in a range from 100 to 350 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the recording magnetic layer 20 includes more than one ferromagnetic layer that are coupled anti-ferromagnetically to each other (e.g., synthetic antiferromagnet). The synthetic antiferromagnet structure of recording magnetic layer 20 can reduce stray magnetic field interactions with the free magnetic layer 30. The ferromagnetic layer 21 can be formed of any useful material such as, for example, alloys and materials including Co, Fe, and/or Ni. The antiferromagnetic layer 22 can be formed of any useful material such as, for example, IrMn, FeMn, and/or PtMn.

The free magnetic layer 30 includes, at least, a one ferromagnetic layer 30. In some embodiments, the free magnetic layer 30 includes more than one ferromagnetic layer that are coupled anti-ferromagnetically to each other. The synthetic antiferromagnet structure of free magnetic layer 30 can reduce stray magnetic field interactions with the recording magnetic layer 20. The ferromagnetic layer 30 can be formed of any useful material such as, for example, alloys and materials including Co, Fe, and/or Ni. The free layer 30 has a magnetization orientation that is alterable or rotatable upon application of an external magnetic field (such as is produced by the first writing bit line WBL₁ and the second writing bit line WBL₂).

The tunneling barrier 25 separates the free magnetic layer 30 from the recording magnetic layer 20. The tunneling barrier 25 is an electrically insulating and non-magnetic material. The tunneling barrier 25 can be formed of any useful material such as, for example, AlO, MgO, and/or TiO.

The access transistor 16 can be any useful transistor such as, for example, a NMOS or PMOS device. The access transistor 16 can provide both a reading current and a heating current to the recording magnetic layer 20 and the free magnetic layer 30.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram top view of the exemplary MRAM memory unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The first writing bit line WBL₁ and the second writing bit line WBL₂ are illustrated orthogonal to each other, however other relative orientations of the first writing bit line WBL₁ and the second writing bit line WBL₂ are possible, as desired. The memory stack 26 circular profile is shown in phantom since the first writing bit line WBL₁ is illustrated covering the memory stack 26. A magnetic filed H is formed as a function of the relative magnetic field of the first writing bit line WBL₁ (formed as a function of the current 13) and the second writing bit line WBL₂ (formed as a function of the current 11).

In the present disclosure a self-detected writing method is described. FIG. 3A-6B illustrate steps to perform the self-detected writing method. The memory cell 26 for these figures is described above and includes recording magnetic layer 20, a free magnetic layer 30 and a tunneling barrier 25 separating the recording magnetic layer 20 from the free magnetic layer 30.

A reference voltage is selected using the reference resistance which is adjacent to the chip block to minimize the effect from temperature and pattern process. For example the reference voltage is Vref. According to the VL_(max) and VH_(min) where the voltage value range between VL_(max) and VH_(min) is the reading margin (see FIG. 7, reference number 100), and set (ΔV<=(VH_(min)−VL_(max))/2^N) (ΔV<(VH_(min)−VL_(max))/(2^N−2)) for 2^N level, N>=2. Here, the level number is assumed to be 2^N, however any other level number can also be used. The VL_(max) is the upper margin of the voltage of the low resistance state. And the VH_(min) is the lower margin of the voltage of the high resistance. In order to write the ith state, the voltage is set to be Vref=VL_(max)+ΔV*i, i=0-2^N−1, (Vref−ΔV*(2^(N−1)−1+i),) i>=1. One illustrate writing sequence is described as follows.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram top view of the exemplary memory stack 26 having a resetting magnetic field and/or current applied and FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 3A. A resetting external magnetic field Hx (provided by one of the writing bit lines) and/or resetting current I_(reset) is applied to the memory stack 26 to place the memory stack 26 in a low resistance state or zero state level. Setting the memory stack 26 to the zero state level places the recording magnetic layer magnetization orientation 20 _(MO) and the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) in parallel relation (both pointing in the same direction). A reading current can be applied through the memory stack 26 in a low resistance state or zero state level and the reference voltage can be set for the desired state level as described above.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram top view of rotating a magnetization orientation of the exemplary memory stack 26 and FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 4A. The free magnetic layer 30 magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) rotates from parallel relation with the recording layer 20 magnetization orientation 20 _(MO) to a first desired state free magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) forming an first desired state angle 1 with the zero state level recording magnetization orientation 20 _(MO). The free magnetic layer 30 magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) rotates due to applying a first desired state magnetic field (Hy and Hx formed by the writing bit lines, described above). A reading current I_(read) is passed through the memory stack 26 and a memory cell voltage V_(CELL) is compared (using a comparator 40) to the desired state reference voltage V_(REF). Once the memory cell voltage V_(CELL) equals the desired state reference voltage V_(REF) the rotation of the free magnetic layer 30 magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) ceases and is determined to have reached the first desired state free magnetization orientation 30 _(MO). While the first desired state is described here, it is understood that the same procedure can be followed for any of the desired states.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram top view of applying a setting current to the exemplary memory stack 26 and FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack 26 illustrated in FIG. 5A. While maintaining the first desired state magnetic field (Hy and Hx) a setting current passes through the memory stack 26 to heat the layers of the memory cell to a temperature at or above the blocking temperature of the recording layer 20. This allows the recording layer 20 magnetization orientation 20 _(MO) to rotate from zero state level to the first desired state recording magnetization orientation 20 _(MO) and be in parallel relation with the free magnetic layer 30 first desired state free magnetization orientation 30 _(MO). Then the setting current I_(set) is removed from the memory stack 26 and the memory stack 26 is allowed to cool below the blocking temperature of the recording layer 20 and pin to recording layer 20 magnetization orientation 20 _(MO) at the first desired state recording magnetization orientation.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram top view of removing the setting magnetic field from the exemplary memory stack 26 and FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the exemplary memory stack illustrated in FIG. 6A. The first desired state magnetic field (Hy and Hx) is removed from the memory stack 26 and the free magnetic layer 30 magnetization orientation 30 _(MO) can rotate from the first desired state free magnetization orientation to the zero state level recording magnetization orientation upon application of an external magnetic field forming the first desired state angle 1 with the first state level recording magnetization orientation 20 _(MO).

One detecting method is a parallel detecting scheme, which is fast, but need many comparators. The other detecting scheme is a serial detecting scheme, where only one comparator is required, but its reading rate is lower compared to the parallel detecting scheme. In the parallel detecting scheme, the reference voltage are set to be Vref1=VL_(max)+ΔV*(i−½), i=1 to 2^N, Vref−ΔV*(2^(N−1)−1+i), i>=1 to 2^N−1, which is same as that in the writing case. By processing the output, the desired level can be detected. In the serial detecting scheme, every time, the voltage is set to Vset=VL_(max)+ΔV*(i−½), i=1 to 2^N, Vref−ΔV(2^(N−1)−1+i), i>=1, then compare the Vcell with Vset, if Vcell<(or >)Vset, and increase the level voltage (increase i) and continue to compare it until Vcell>(or)Vset. It is understood that other detecting schemes can be utilized also. For example, a desired sense voltage can be applied and the current or resistance can be detected until the desired level is achieved.

Using the self-detected writing described herein, the reading voltage distribution is only dependent on the comparator's performance and the margin between the highest and lowest level. FIG. 7 is a graph of the voltage distribution of the exemplary memory stack at various resistance states. As the comparator has much narrow distribution, the reading margin can be improved significantly in the present scheme. Five voltage levels V00, V1, V2, V3 and Vn are shown in FIG. 7. Where the self-detected voltage levels V1, V2, and V3 illustrate a very narrow voltage distribution as compared to V00 or Vn. The voltage distribution V00 is a broad voltage distribution for the zero or low resistance state of all the memory cells in an array and Vn is the voltage distribution for the highest resistance state of all the memory cells in an array. The voltage range between the maximum low resistance state voltage VL_(max) and the minimum high resistance state voltage VH_(min) is the reading margin 100 for the memory cells. The voltage distribution of V1, V2, and V3 are each very narrow when compared to V00 or Vn. The voltage distribution V1, V2, and V3 can be attributed to the detection circuit. Thus, two or three or four or more self-detected voltage levels can be written to the memory cell within the reading margin 100. In addition the same voltage is used for both the writing and the reading operation which provides a large reading margin. As the reading margin increases, the number of voltage levels can also be increased. An alternative detection scheme includes providing a sense voltage and then detecting the current or resistance can be detected until the desired level is achieved.

Thus, embodiments of the THERMALLY ASSISTED MULTI-BIT MRAM are disclosed. The implementations described above and other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. 

1. A method of writing to a MRAM memory unit comprising: rotating a free magnetic layer magnetization orientation of an MRAM memory cell from a parallel relation with a recording layer magnetization orientation of a recording layer of the MRAM memory cell until the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation forms a first desired state angle with the recording layer magnetization orientation forming a first desired state recording magnetization orientation; heating the recording magnetic layer to a temperature above a blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer to rotate the recording layer magnetization orientation to parallel relation with the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation; and cooling the MRAM memory cell to a temperature below the blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer to set the recording magnetization orientation at the first desired state recording magnetization orientation.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the rotating step comprises applying a first desired state magnetic field to the MRAM memory cell to rotate the free magnetization orientation to a first desired state free magnetization orientation.
 3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising removing the first desired state magnetic field from the MRAM memory cell to form the first desired state angle between the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation and the recording layer magnetization orientation.
 4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the applying step comprises applying a first desired state magnetic field to the MRAM memory cell with a first writing bit line and a second writing bit line, the first writing bit line and the second writing bit line are electrically isolated from the recording magnetic layer, wherein the first writing bit line and the second writing bit line are orthogonal to each other and the heating step comprises passing a current through the MRAM memory cell.
 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the first writing bit line provides a first magnetic field and the second writing bit line provides a second magnetic field and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field form the first desired state magnetic field.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the MRAM memory cell comprises a free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer separated by a tunneling barrier.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the tunneling barrier comprises an electrical insulating oxide material.
 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer have a circular cross-sectional profile.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the MRAM memory cell records three or more desired states.
 10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising comparing the voltage across the MRAM memory cell to the first desired state voltage with a comparator.
 11. A method of writing to a MRAM memory unit comprising: providing an MRAM memory cell comprising a recording magnetic layer, and the free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer have a circular cross-sectional profile; applying a first desired state magnetic field to the MRAM memory cell to rotate a free magnetic layer magnetization orientation until the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation forms a first desired state angle with the recording layer magnetization orientation forming a first desired state recording magnetization orientation; heating the MRAM memory cell recording magnetic layer to a temperature above a blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer; cooling the MRAM memory cell to a temperature below the blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer to set the recording magnetization orientation at a first desired state recording magnetization orientation; and removing the first desired state magnetic field from the MRAM memory cell to form the first desired angle between the zero state level free magnetization orientation and the first desired state recording magnetization orientation.
 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the applying step comprises applying a first desired state magnetic field to the MRAM memory cell with a first writing bit line and a second writing bit line, the first writing bit line and the second writing bit line are electrically isolated from the recording magnetic layer, wherein the first writing bit line and the second writing bit line are orthogonal to each other.
 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the first writing bit line provides a first magnetic field and the second writing bit line provides a second magnetic field and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field form the first desired state magnetic field.
 14. A method according to claim 11, wherein the MRAM memory cell comprises a free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer separated by a tunneling barrier.
 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the tunneling barrier comprises an electrical insulating oxide material.
 16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the heating step comprises passing a current through the MRAM memory cell.
 17. A method according to claim 11, wherein the MRAM memory cell records three or more desired states.
 18. A method of writing to a memory unit comprising: providing an MRAM memory cell comprising a recording magnetic layer having a zero state level recording magnetization orientation and a free magnetic layer having a zero state level free magnetization orientation, and the free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer have a circular cross-sectional profile; applying a first desired state magnetic field to the MRAM memory cell to rotate the free magnetization orientation until the free magnetic layer magnetization orientation forms a first desired state angle with the recording layer magnetization orientation forming a first desired state recording magnetization orientation; heating the MRAM memory cell recording magnetic layer to a temperature above a blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer to alter the recording magnetization orientation to be in parallel relation to the first desired state free magnetization orientation forming a first desired state recording magnetization orientation; cooling the MRAM memory cell to a temperature below the blocking temperature of the recording magnetic layer to set the recording magnetization orientation at the first desired state recording magnetization orientation; and removing the first desired state magnetic field from the MRAM memory cell to form the first desired angle between the zero state level free magnetization orientation and the first desired state recording magnetization orientation.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the MRAM memory cell comprises a free magnetic layer and a recording magnetic layer separated by a tunneling barrier.
 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the tunneling barrier comprises an electrical insulating oxide material. 